MSNBC gets worse spot than Al Jazeera (updated)

A random observation: NBC News has possible some of the worst seats in the house, tucked away so far to the side of the Xcel Energy Center that it has a partially obstructed view of the stage. To the right of NBC is Al Jazeera, which has a slightly better view of the stage.

MSNBC, which is affiliated with NBC, is widely considered to be the more liberal of the cable news networks (with Fox to the right, and CNN somewhere in the middle). Fox and CNN have equally-good press areas, mirroring each other on opposite sides of the stage.

The tension between the parties and the media has escalated over the past few days, as Republicans have accused the media of bias in its coverage of VP candidate Sarah Palin.

While having tense relations with the press is new for McCain, who has historically culitivated a very friendly and open with reporters, accusing the press of bias in the face of unfavorable coverage is common.

And the Bush administration lobbed similar accusations against the New York Times and the Washington Post when they published stories about the CIA’s secret prisons and domestic wire-tapping programs.

Update: I’m reminded that last night the audience chanted “NBC! NBC! NBC!” when GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin took swipes at the press, such as:

Here’s a little newsflash. Here’s a little news flash for all those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion – I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this great country. [standing ovation]